Thinking of buying a VW

[TwiztedTD]

Hi everyone, I am new here and have just started to look at purchasing a VW Jetta GLS 2001 with 132,000km, 2.0L manual made in Mexico
The car is in good shape, and looks clean.

I HAVE been reading on a lot of car websites that this car was rating one of the cars to avoid and I have read lots of negative reviews.

I thought I would come here and ask on here as most of you would have better experience with this than other people.

I am just looking for some advice, and if maybe I should look at a newer model or what not.

Thank you for your advice and help.

[zukgod1]

Well welcome to dubnet first off.

What are the other sites saying that's wrong with the car your looking @.

I cant think of anything that would prevent me from buying a 01 that's in good shape if it's been maintained.

Do you know anything about the maintenance history of the car?

[TwiztedTD]

Hi there, in fact you are the first person to say buy it.

A lot of people are warning me about expensive repairs, and many repairs.

So far nobody has been specific but have said to many miles, or lots of things to go wrong with this car.

[zukgod1]

Well so far other that other people telling you not to get it you haven't given us any info to tell ya not to buy it.

Once again, I'll ask
" Do you know anything about the maintenance history of the car?"

The fact is back in the early 90's German cars were being engineered to last for 500K miles while American cars were being designed to last for 100k miles.
The car your looking @ is a 2001 correct? If it's had just it's basic maintenance done IE, oil changes, timing belt changed etc etc than you have nothing to worry about. VW's are no more prone to fail than any other car on the road in fact just the opposite is true. You take care of it and it will last longer than you want it to.
There will be some things you will need to deal with at some point. The MAF, Throttle body, O2 sensors.. That's about it.

Nothing major at all. I've seen and have one in my back yard VW engines taken apart that have over 200k on them and they still look sweet on the inside.

[Mr_Diesel]

All the problems you heard about (window's falling in the door, maf sensor, coil packs, etc) were ALL covered under warranty and replaced with updated parts. People that nitpick about these things with VWs really piss me off. What about the problem Toyota has had with "oil gelling" and engines blowing up? Toyota has a reputation for being one of the most reliable car makers in the world, then crap like this happens and people don't even bat an eye.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota_engine.html

Show me ONE Honda with more than 150,000 miles on it that doesn't blow smoke or a mid 90's Ford car with more than 100,000 miles on it. Every maker has their weakness and strengths. Really though, of course I am going to recommend you get the car. The 2.0L engine is one of the simplest, low maintenance Volkswagens you can get. Still, VW are NOT the cheapest cars to buy or maintain. Everything you buy for this car will be more expensive. The trade off is you get a car with superior engineering and quality materials. The fit and finish of Volkswagen is way better than any American or Asian car. Interiors are aesthetically appealing, feel solid and are very comfortable. If you really want to know what I mean, go rent or borrow a Toyota Camry for a week, then do the same with the Jetta... I guarantee you will feel a significant difference in the overall quality of the ride, hadnling, performance and build.

Higher maintenance costs in trade for quality is a trade off I have GLADLY made for the past 7 years and will continue to do for the rest of my days. Honestly dude... if you just buy the car, you'll get it. People that nit pick about irrelevant issues don't get it. If you want a cheap point a to point b car, then stay away from VW. There are cheap, reliable transportation cars and then there are drivers cars. People that want to feel the car and really feel like their in control of a immensely complex machine don't buy Camrys, Civics, Focuses or Elantras. I think Volkswagen makes an affordable "driver's" car.

Take your pick.

[twig]

mr_diesel's right. you trade off quality of car for SLIGHTLY more expensive repairs. but considering the car is about 7 years old, there's enough of them in the wrecking yards to pull parts, not to mention with a website like this, do it yourself repairs are a lot easier.

a lot of repairs you can do yourself with some instruction even if you don't know anything about cars. it's good to learn. take a weekend, do some stuff, save yourself the garage fees.

oh, btw, welcome to the site.